Question

1. explain how the regulation of blood glucose levels is an example of a feedback mechanism.
2. what happens to the food you eat after it is broken down in the digestive system?
3. why does glucose stay in the blood stream in someone who has diabetes?
4. why does the destruction of insulin producing cells in the pancreas prevent the body from maintaining normal blood sugar levels?

Explanation:

Question 1

When blood glucose rises (e.g., after eating), the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin causes cells to take in glucose, lowering blood sugar. When glucose is low, glucagon is released to raise it. This is negative feedback: the response (insulin/glucagon) reverses the initial change (high/low glucose), maintaining homeostasis.

After digestion, nutrients (like glucose, amino acids, fats) are absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose is used for energy (cellular respiration), stored as glycogen (in liver/muscles) or fat. Amino acids build proteins. Fats are stored or used for energy. Wastes (like undigested food) are excreted as feces.

In diabetes, the body lacks insulin (Type 1: no insulin production) or cells resist insulin (Type 2: insulin insensitivity). Insulin is needed for cells to take in glucose. Without effective insulin action, glucose cannot enter cells and remains in the bloodstream, causing high blood glucose (hyperglycemia).

Answer:

The regulation of blood glucose is a negative feedback mechanism. After a meal, blood glucose rises. The pancreas secretes insulin, which signals cells to absorb glucose (lowering blood sugar). If glucose is low (e.g., between meals), the pancreas releases glucagon, which triggers glycogen breakdown (raising blood sugar). The response (insulin/glucagon) opposes the initial change (high/low glucose), stabilizing levels.

Question 2